In April, the Building Performance team published a checklist of the proposed conditions that must be met when using the small standalone dwellings building consent exemption. This exemption is expected to be in force by early 2026.

The retention provisions in the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA) were put in place to protect retention money owed to subcontractors in the event of a business failure, and to ensure retention money withheld under construction contracts is responsibly managed.

In this new series of blog posts, Professor Anthony Hōete looks at the results of ModelDocs — a BRANZ funded research programme that delves into NZ’s building consent process to seek behavioural transformation.

First up: How long is it taking for consents to be processed? And why so many annoying RFIs?

This is simple question but there are lots of factors driving it, so the answer is complex. I’ll explore this over my next few articles. First, I want to talk productivity, specifically labour productivity.

In today's blog post I cover some of the most common FAQs for detailing a fully complaint NZBC E2 level threshold solution.

Looking at our 2024 Specifier Insights research from a survey of 1,499 architects, designers and builders, we can see that cost is a growing concern. 

Elements that improve structural performance during seismic events also introduce significant fire safety vulnerabilities in a building’s fire compartmentation strategy. Gaps created for movement can act as open pathways for smoke and flame. Careful selection and specification of fire-resistant materials can mitigate this risk.

A look at how to design tiled showers using penetration seals and water stops to prevent moisture from entering the wall cavity and subfloor.

In 2024 the Minister for Building and Construction, the Hon. Chris Penk, “… instructed MBIE to review the recently implemented H1 energy efficiency standards to ensure that the compliance costs were not unreasonable and were well balanced with the health and efficiency gains.”

In secure units there are specific requirements for drainage fixtures, and the nature of the unit will determine the type of product selected. Words such as 'anti ligature' and 'tamper proof' are relative to the security requirement of the facility and will often work together to protect the occupant and staff from self harm or ability to use the receptacles for storing of items or use as weapons.